Make: Breda Meccanica Romana, Italy. A Danish Contract Rifle.
Model: M1 Garand
Serial Number: BMR 3473
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1950s. Barrel date 12-1954
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Auto, En Bloc Clip Fed
Markings:
Receiver: "BREDA MECCANICA ROMANA / ITALIA" on the left and "crown / FKF / Nr / BMR 3473" on the rear.
Trigger Group: "D28290-5-SA"
Hammer: "5546008 BR"
Safety: "F"
Receiver Leg: "D906 B.M.R / D.6528291"
Barrel: "SA F6535448 12 54 MD 45"
Bolt: "6528287 -SA Z-4-B"
Gas Tube Plug: "PO"
Stock: "BOYDS DTC"
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight set between two protective wings. The windage knob is marked "PB S S", and two arrows. The elevation knob is marked from 2-12 in increments of 2.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock set is a Boyds replacement 3-piece smooth wood with a Semi pistol grip, metal nose caps, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, and a metal butt plate with hinged door for storage. The LOP measures 13 inches from the trigger to the butt plate. The metal butt plate shows minor rub wear and finish loss scattered around the edges. The checkering is semi-dull except on the door where it is still mostly sharp. The wood shows some scattered minor compressions and some minor surface level lines. The most notable on the left side of the grip and the left side middle of the rear of the handguard.There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock set is in Fine+ near Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion/pitting. Our gauges show a muzzle of 0+ and a throat of 0+ almost 1 In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some very minor operational wear on the friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver. The gas cylinder shows some minor finish loss as well. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action is very smooth and functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a leather sling.
Our Assessment: This M1 Garand, manufactured in 1954 by Breda Meccanica Bresciana in Italy, is part of a fascinating post-WWII chapter in the life of the iconic American battle rifle. After WWII, the United States supplied M1 Garands to NATO allies, and some countries, like Denmark, also contracted licensed production. Breda, along with Beretta, was authorized by the Italian government to manufacture M1 Garands using original U.S. tooling. These rifles are known for their exceptional quality and attention to detail, often rivaling or exceeding wartime U.S. production standards. Breda rifles were primarily built for export or domestic military use, with many going to Denmark under military aid programs.
The "FKF" marking on the receiver stands for "Forsvarets Krigsmaterial Forvaltning" (Danish Defence War Materiel Administration), identifying the rifle as part of the Danish military inventory. The crown marking above the FKF stamp is a standard Danish military proof, indicating acceptance into service. These rifles were used by Danish forces well into the Cold War, often in elite or ceremonial units, and many saw little combat use, resulting in well-preserved examples. This Breda M1 Garand is a desirable collector piece that reflects both NATO cooperation and the enduring legacy of the Garand design in postwar European service.
